Vietnam
3 Reasons Why You Should Backpack Vietnam – Part 1
An essential guide for those looking for adventure.
South Vietnam
Vietnam, what a dream. As Anthony Bourdain puts it, “It grabs you and doesn’t let go. Once you love it, you love it forever.” It’s not hard to fall in love with its incredible landscapes, flavorsome food, and rich culture. Backpacking from city to city over the span of 2 months was one of the most rewarding trips of my life. It started out with a flight from Los Angeles through Japan and on into Ho Chi Minh City in the South. As the exit doors to the airport glided open I felt a sense of freedom wash over me. I was uncaged as I began to crisscross Vietnam’s wonderous terrain by bus, taxi, on foot, by scooter, train, motorcycle, boat, and by plane all across the country. Whatever your preferred mode of transportation may be, here are my top 3 (of the many) reasons to backpack in Vietnam.
#1 – Baller Routes – Vietnam’s 2 biggest cities are ideal starting points for a backpacking adventure. You can fly into Ho Chi Minh City in the South or Hanoi in the North and end your trip in the opposite city having explored all the juicy goodness in between. Both of these incredible starting destinations have big city appeal and comforts. Unlike major American cities, no one is donning Cheeseheads or painting their face orange on Sundays, but there is a major rivalry in the form of a battle royal for who has the best tasting Pho. Hanoi’s Pho tends to be milder with softer noodles and fewer garnishes while the Pho in Ho Chi Minh City is on the stronger side with narrower firmer rice noodles. Experiencing the difference for yourself is priceless. Who Dey!!! Wherever you find yourself starting out, two distinctly modernizing cities await, each with a rich history, unique charm, and lots to explore.
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#2 – Surprises Around Every Corner – Once you leave the big city, your freedom in Vietnam is unabated. They did have some pretty strict lockdowns for the pandy, and you should probably avoid breaking the law, but as far as the freedom to explore the countryside, go ahead and take that motorbike over the river and through the woods. Here are a few favorite desinations:
- Chi Cu Tunnels
- Hai Van Pass
- Dalat Crazy House
- Golden Hands Bridge
- Abandoned Waterpark
Top Experiences In Vietnam Right Now
#2 – Dynamic Cultural History South East Asia boasts so many treasures, and to me, Vietnam is a crown jewel. From a tourist perspective, Vietnam is like what Thailand was 10 years ago. Today, Thailand is a bit more hospitable with more locals speaking English and far more accommodations catering to Western tastes. Vietnam is in the midst of a major upswing in tourism, but it’s still a bit more untouched. What Vietnam does have is a rich cultural history. Vietnamese history is marked by resilience, from early battles against Chinese rule to the Bach Dang River victory over Mongol invaders in the 13th century. French colonization in the 19th century led to a struggle for independence, culminating in the First Indochina War, and the 1954 Geneva Accords divided the country, sparking the Vietnam War, which concluded in 1975 with reunification. Post-war, Vietnam faced economic challenges until the Doi Moi reforms spurred economic growth in the late 20th century by opening Vietnam up to foreign trade and investment, shaping modern Vietnam. Everywhere you travel in Vietnam you’ll find bits and pieces of its rich history.
The 1004-mile / 1616-km adventure from South to North Vietnam lived up to the hype. What began as an aimless journey for an inexperienced traveler evolved into a profound experience, the enlightenment characterized by fresh perspectives gained through exploring the history of the American War in Ho Chi Minh City ultimately concluding with a grizzled backpacking veteran emerging in Hanoi in the north. I’m looking forward to diving deeper into Vietnam to make your experience there unforgettable. DM me if you want more!
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